Historic 57-Year-Old Paan Stall in Kucha Dayaram Faces Closure

A historic paan stall that has stood at the entrance of Kucha Dayaram, a narrow lane branching off Chawri Bazar in Delhi, faces closure as its elderly owner announced his sons will not continue the family business. Amar, who has run the landmark stall for 57 years, stated that the establishment will disappear once he steps down.

The modest stall, located under the arched entrance of the lane facing Chawri Bazar, is considered the most enduring landmark of Kucha Dayaram, also known as Kucha Raja Dayaram. The business was originally established by Amar's father, Shri Sarju Ram, who died when Amar was very young.

Amar, who was born in Old Delhi but now resides in a neighborhood across the Yamuna, took over the business after his father's passing. When asked about his tenure, Amar noted he had been operating the stall for so long that he could barely remember the exact beginning, though he confirmed he has folded betel leaves at the spot for 57 years.

According to Amar, the legacy of the stall will end with him. "This old stall will go when I go," he said, explaining that his sons have no desire to carry on the family trade.

Amar compared the impending loss of his stall to other historical changes in the area. He recalled that Chawri Bazar was once home to tawaifs, or dancing girls, long before his father was born. They were eventually forced to settle in an area outside the Old Delhi walls, which has since been integrated into the wider city.

During a recent afternoon, the lane surrounding Amar's stall remained highly active. Laborers weaved through the cramped passageway carrying heavy parcels on their backs, while delivery boys balanced trays of chai and local shopkeepers sold hardware, aluminum, and sanitary goods. Despite the constant motion, the eventual retirement of Amar marks the coming end of an era for the historic lane.